He was born April 22, 1951 in Gallitzin, PA to the late Russell and June (Melhorn) Bruce. He served in the US Air Force from 1969-1993, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He went on to work at the Dept. of Defense for another 20 years until his retirement. He also received an Associate’s Degree in Business during that time.

Gary enjoyed watching TV, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with family, especially his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen (Crossley) Bruce of Warsaw, whom he married Dec. 29, 1981; three children, Erin (Brian) Taylor of New Philadelphia, Patrick Bruce of Warsaw, and Megan (Witten) Bolte of Abilene, TX; his grandchildren, Kenneth, Daniel, Aubriana, Heidi, Alexandra, Thea, and Lillie; two sisters, Jeannie Kline and Janet Bruce, both of Gallitzin, PA; his mother-in-law, Fran Crossley of Warsaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 at Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw, and will conclude with Military Rites performed by the Coshocton Co. Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. www.fischerfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations are suggested to the Coshocton Co. Veterans Services office to assist individuals in need, 318 Main St. Coshocton, OH 43812; or to the Cleveland Clinic Transplant Center, 9500 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44195.